Wis. museum features high-fashion exhibit

One of the fashion garments at the Madison museum includes a gown designed by Charles Frederick Worth, the father of haute couture in Paris. He created it for the wife of Civil War general and Wisconsin governor Lucius Fairchild in 1880.

Another gown was worn by Milwaukee socialite Lillian Sivyer to the 1937 coronation of King George VI in London.

Museum Curator Leslie Bellais says the dresses were worn to the grandest of occasions but they resonate with a lot of people because everyone can relate to clothing.

The exhibit is called "Wisconsin Women of Style" and features gowns from the Wisconsin Historical Society and Mount Mary University Historic Costume Collection.